EPA Report: Verified

Source: Pestlink

Operational Report for Possum Control in the Ship Cove 2012/13

09 May 2013 - 29 May 2013 20/11/2013 Department of Conservation Sounds

Contents 1. Operation Summary ...... 2 2. Introduction ...... 3 2.1 TREATMENT AREA ...... 3 2.2 MANAGEMENT HISTORY ...... 4 3 Outcomes and Targets ...... 4 3.1 CONSERVATION OUTCOMES...... 4 3.2 TARGETS ...... 4 3.2.1 Result Targets ...... 4 3.2.2 Outcome Targets ...... 4 4 Consultation, Consents & Notifications ...... 5 4.1 CONSULTATION ...... 5 4.2 CONSENTS ...... 5 4.3 NOTIFICATION ...... 6 5 Methods ...... 6 5.1 TARGET ...... 6 5.2 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ...... 8 5.2.1 Effects on Non-Target Species ...... 8 5.2.2 Effects on Soil and Water Quality ...... 9 5.2.3 Effects on Ecosystems ...... 9 5.2.4 Effects on Human Health ...... 9 6 Monitoring Results and Outcomes ...... 10 6.1 RESULT MONITORING - TARGET SPECIES ...... 10 6.2 RESULT MONITORING - ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ...... 10 6.3 OUTCOME MONITORING ...... 11

1. Operation Summary Operation Name Possum Control in Ship Cove 2012/13 Operation Date 09 May 2013 - 29 May 2013 Area Office Sounds Conservancy: Nelson Marlborough Pestlink Reference 1314SND01 Treatment Area Size (ha) Ship Cove 2012/13 1530.00 Conservation Unit Name(s) GA Id(s) Resolution Bay Scenic Reserve 2801786 Sounds Foreshore Reserve 2801936 Ship Cove Historic Reserve 2801784

Treatment Block Details Treatment Blocks Size (ha)

Ship Cove 1500.00

Contractor Name N/A Treatment Dates Start Completion Ship Cove 09 May 2013 29 May 2013

Target Pest Details Treatment Target Pests Control Method Name Blocks Ship Cove Possum Pesticide Aerial Pesticide - Aerial in Ship Cove-(1) Ship Cove Possum Pesticide Hand Pesticide - Hand Laying in Laying Ship Cove-(1)

Conservation Outcome(s) To protect the health and viability of the coastal forest ecosystems within the Ship Cove and environs. Result Target(s) Treatment Area/Block What we got • To reduce the RTC for Ship Cove 2012/13 0% RTC possums within this area to 5% or less

Outcome Targets What we got • No outcome monitoring is planned at the time of report preparation Nov. 13.

1314snd01 2 2. Introduction

2.1 TREATMENT AREA

Non-target species Common Name Scientific Name Bellbird Anthornis melanura melanura

Tui Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae novaeseelandiae

Yellow-breasted Tit Petroica macrocephala macrocephala

New Zealand Kingfisher Halcyon sancta

Australasian Harrier Circus approximans

Brown Creeper Mohoua novaeseelandiae

Long-tailed Cuckoo Eudynamys taitensis

Grey Warbler Gerygone igata

South Island Fantail Rhipidura fuliginosa fuliginosa

Morepork Ninox novaeseelandiae novaeseelandiae

Target benefit species Common Name Scientific Name tawa Beilschmiedia tawa kohekohe Dysoxylum spectabile

Threatened species Common Name Scientific Name Western Gallirallus australis australis

Large Powelliphanta hochstetteri bicolor

New Zealand pigeon, Kereru Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae

Bush falcon Falco novaeseelandiae "bush"

Yellow-crowned Parakeet Cyanoramphus auriceps

South Island Kaka Nestor meridionalis meridionalis

Geographical location The Ship Cove 2012/13 is situated 27 km NE of Picton. TREATMENT BLOCK DETAILS: Treatment block Ship Cove Vegetation type The land rises steeply in most places from sea level to the skyline with the highest point being Mt Furneaux (823m). This area contains some of the best coastal broadleaved forest in the Marlborough Sounds. There are extensive areas of kohekohe and tawa dominated forest with large stag head rimu and kahikatea emergent through the canopy. Below 450m hard beech dominates dry ridges and faces while red beech and silver beech dominate above 450m and 650m respectively. Kamahi is common in these higher altitude forests.

1314snd01 3 Bioclimatic zone coastal semi-coastal sub-montane Climate characteristics: Rainfall 0 mm Temperature: Average Summer - Average Winter -

Snow level 650 m Altitude 0-823 m Community and Iwi The Queen Charlotte Track passes through the area treated. This interests track is popular with walkers and mountain bikers and is particularly busy over the summer months. Recreational hunting of and deer is common in the area. Historic sites There are several archaeological/historic sites recorded in this area. The area is also of very special significance to both European and Maori as it was used by Capt. James Cook on several of his NZ visits.

2.2 MANAGEMENT HISTORY Management history was not chosen to be shown in this operational report. This history is, however, available via Pestlink

3 Outcomes and Targets 3.1 CONSERVATION OUTCOMES To protect the health and viability of the coastal forest ecosystems within the Ship Cove and environs. 3.2 TARGETS 3.2.1 Result Targets The result targets for the treatment area were: • To reduce the RTC for possums within this area to 5% or less

3.2.2 Outcome Targets The outcome targets for the treatment area were: • No outcome monitoring is planned at the time of report preparation Nov. 13.

1314snd01 4 4 Consultation, Consents & Notifications 4.1 CONSULTATION Apr-Oct 2012

The adjoining landowners to the treatment area (where possible - one parcel of land had multiple Maori owners, we were unable to gain contact details for this land) were contacted seeking their comments.

Letters advising of the operation and inviting feedback were sent to iwi groups.

Public Health Service was contacted.

Queen Charlotte Track Liaison Committee.

Marlborough District Council through Resource Consenting process. Consultation outcomes Letter received from an iwi group. They are concerned about the destruction of native biodiversity by introduced species in and around the DOC estate. Aware that 1080 has been in use for near 40 years and at this time is the most affordable solution we have and that DOC are restricted by dwindling budgets and changing Government priorities. Opposed to the aerial distribution of 1080 at the Meretoto/Ship Cove area and all other areas within the rohe. Only support the targeted placement/distribution of 1080. Prefer an intensive hunting and targeted poison distribution regime. There was some concern about our proposal received by another iwi group. Lessons learned There is value in informing all the adjoining landowners individually. Wide and thorough consultation during the planning stage is always required. 4.2 CONSENTS Consent Consent date File Reference Permission ID Medical Officer of Health 06/05/2013 NHT 02-16-04 V3 13/07/ETM/NELPH Department of Conservation 25/03/2013 NHT 02-16-04 V3 DOCDM-114834 Resource consent 04/10/2012 NHT 02-16-04 V3 U120420 NHT-02-16-04 Harvey consent 16/05/2012 V3

Lessons learned Consenting process can be time consuming. Worth considering taking MOH representative on site prior to submitting consent. Several individuals submitted on this Resource Consent application, although none wished to be heard if it went to hearing.

1314snd01 5 4.3 NOTIFICATION Mar-May 2013

Letters were sent to 140 landowners/occupiers up to 5 km from the treatment area boundary. The purpose of this letter was to explain what we were intending to do (this included key facts and map). Interest groups (tramping clubs, schools, vet clinics, police, etc were also contacted as were concessionaires associated with the Queen Charlotte Track.

All neighbouring landowners/occupier were notified at least 48 hours prior to the toxin being laid. All others identified in the communication plan were notified also. Lessons learned Throughout the communication process updated contact details should be obtained from relevant individuals including who is happy to be contacted by email. For 48hr notice a substantial email mail out may be suitable for a number people on the of 48hrs list (this will save our staff time while still meeting requirements).

5 Methods 5.1 TARGET SPECIES

Treatment Block Ship Cove Control method Name Target pest species Pesticide - Aerial Pesticide - Aerial in Ship Cove-(1) Possum Pesticide - Hand Laying Pesticide - Hand Laying in Ship Possum Cove-(1)

Treatment Block Control Method Name Target Pest Species Ship Cove Pesticide - Aerial Pesticide - Aerial in Possum Ship Cove-(1) Trade name of pesticide 0.15% 1080 Pellets RS5 Name of pesticide Sodium fluoroacetate Type of bait Cereal pellet Toxic loading 1.5 g/kg Bait quality sampling Not Conducted Bait Details Pre-feed Toxic

Bait type Cereal pellet Cereal pellet Lure/ mask/ deterrent Cinnamon Cinnamon Lure/ mask/ deterrent 0.30% 0.30% Dye None Green Individual Bait Weight 12.0g 12.0g

1314snd01 6 Sowing Rate Details Pre-feed Date Rate(kg/ha) Wind Speed Direction 09/05/2013 1.00 Light North

Toxic Date Rate(kg/ha) Wind Speed Direction 29/05/2013 2.00 Light North

Time between pre-feed and toxic 20 End of Caution Period Date - Aircraft type Jet Ranger Number of Aircraft 1 Sowing gear details Description Capacity Underslung hydrolic spinner non- 350 kg retractable legs

Type of navigational AgNav via Tumonz

guidance system used Loading Method Marlborough Helicopters have their own loader with hopper. Bags emptied into hopper then into helicopter bucket

Complaints and Incidents Nil Other Details about this method - Deviations from planned operation -

Lessons Learned A small wooden bund was constructed for the bucket loading component of the barge operation. In future a larger bund should also be considered for the barge edges. Our vessels should not be tied alongside the barge during the operation - this just leads to greater clean up requirements.

Treatment Block Control Method Name Target Pest Species Ship Cove Pesticide - Hand Pesticide - Hand Possum Laying Laying in Ship Cove- (1) Trade name of pesticide 0.15% 1080 Pellets RS5

Name of pesticide Sodium fluoroacetate Type of bait Cereal pellet

1314snd01 7 Toxic loading 1.5 g/kg Bait quality sampling Not Conducted Bait Details Pre-feed Toxic

Bait type - Cereal pellet Lure/ mask/ deterrent - Cinnamon Lure/ mask/ deterrent 0.00% 0.30% Dye - Green Individual Bait Weight - g 12.0g

Sowing Rate Details Pre-feed Toxic Date Rate(kg/ha) Date Rate(kg/ha)

29/05/2013 1.00

Treatment details Pre-feed Toxic

No. of applications 0 1 How long to apply 0.00 0.05 Average application 0 0 frequency Quantity when filled 0g 0g

Date Bait Removed - End of Caution Period Date - Pattern of hand laying Broadcast

Other Details about this method As part of the wider aerial 1080 operation, the bush behind the amenity area at Ship Cove and at Cannibal Cove was treated by hand. This area had a fairly wide aerial exclusion imposed by MOH and it was thought important to treat the areas by hand laid 1080 baits.

Deviations from planned operation The grassed amenity areas at Ship and Cannibal Coves was not treated Lessons Learned Nil

5.2 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 5.2.1 Effects on Non-Target Species 2 weka were reported dead close to Ship Cove immediately after the operation. Cause of death not determined or investigated, following comment from Nelson staff that there was no need to carry out toxicology testing. There have been no other reports of non target species being affected.

1314snd01 8 Performance standard(s) Baits must be dyed green or blue Baits to have a mean size of in excess of 6g and 95% of baits should weigh more than 4g.

Effectiveness of performance standards The performance standards were effective.

Bykill of non-target species 2 weka were reported dead close to Ship Cove immediately after the operation. Cause of death not determined or investigated. Due to previous studies on non-target fauna impacts and adherence to best practice only casual inspection within the treatment area during track checks and RTC was proposed. 5.2.2 Effects on Soil and Water Quality DOCs standards and procedures for handling, transport, disposal and identification of boundaries will be followed. Performance standard(s) Followed ? Monitored ? Pilots hold appropriate quals Yes Yes Aircraft fitted with GPS to track bait distribution Yes Yes Minimise helicopter flying over sea Yes Yes Barge held as close as possible to treatment area Yes Yes Bait sow rate no greater than 6kg per ha Yes Yes Bait excluded from within 50m radius and for 200m above Yes Yes Ship Cove water supply Ship Cove water supply disconnected for 48hrs following Yes Yes treatment A 50m buffer zone will exist Yes Yes Contaminated safety equipment to be washed at a location Yes Yes where run off will not enter water supply

Effectiveness of performance standards Performance standards adopted appeared to work satisfactorily 5.2.3 Effects on Ecosystems - Effects on Ecosystems Not Applicable 5.2.4 Effects on Human Health Conditions suggested by DOC and imposed by consenting bodies (MDC and MOH) manage anticipated risks to human health Performance standard(s) Followed ? Monitored ? Consultation and Notification SOP followed Yes Yes Info boards positioned at required locations Yes Yes Public informed of operation through public notice Yes Yes Minimum of 24hr notice given tyo selected groups Yes Yes Exclusions will occur that prevent bait being laid on higher Yes Yes use public areas

1314snd01 9 Baits and carcasses cleared of DOC tracks Yes Yes No baits laid within 50m of pottable water supply Yes Yes Baits laid on track as early as possible in day to allow time to Yes Yes clear track Baits dyed green Yes Yes

Effectiveness of performance standards All measures appeared to work adequately.

6 Monitoring Results and Outcomes 6.1 RESULT MONITORING - TARGET SPECIES Result target(s) To reduce the RTC for possums within this area to 5% or less

6.1.1 Target Species Monitoring Residual trap-catch index (RTCI) Method: Species monitored Possum - Trichosurus vulpecula in Ship Cove 2012/13 Monitor method details NPCA standard protocol for RTC was used. Only 6 lines were monitored at this site where 14 would normally be used. It was decided to run only 6 to save cost but to get some indication of outcome.

Deviations The protocol states that for an area the size treated, 14 lines would normally be required. This was not followed in this case. Target pest result details Pre During/Post

Monitoring dates - 6/8/13 - 9/8/13 Results - 0% RTC

Result target met? Yes Lessons Learned Nil

6.2 RESULT MONITORING - ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 6.2.1 Non Target Species Monitoring of:

Monitor Method details No monitoring of non-target species was planned. After the day of the drop there were several visits to the area, particularly the Queen Charlotte Track which was walked daily for up to a week after. Deviations Nil Monitoring dates 30/5/13 - 7/6/13 Results During the visits to the track, it was discovered that 2

1314snd01 10 weka were found dead presumably from the effects of 1080. These birds were close to Ship Cove and are likely to have had interaction with humans prior to death. Lessons Learned Nil

6.2.2 Soil and Water Quality Monitoring of: no monitoring occurred due to adherence to consenting conditions Monitor Method details n/a Deviations n/a Monitoring dates n/a Results n/a Lessons Learned n/a

6.2.3 Ecosystems No monitoring of ecosystems was undertaken. 6.2.4 Human Health Monitoring of: No monitoring occurred due to adherence to approval conditions Monitor Method details n/a Deviations n/a Monitoring dates n/a Results n/a

Lessons Learned Track management worked well. Track treated early, any walkers encountered were stopped until track treatment had occurred, warned of risks, they could then proceed as track was cleared.

6.3 OUTCOME MONITORING Outcome targets No outcome monitoring is planned at the time of report preparation Nov. 13.

No monitoring of outcomes was undertaken

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